Prognostic role of changes in NT-proBNP level during combined therapy of patients with heart failure

Background. It is not clear if the dynamic of NT-proBNP level during therapy can reflect the long-term prognosis. Objective. To study the prognostic significance of dynamic of NT-proBNP plasma level in patients with LVSD receiving standard therapy in one-year prospective study. Materials and methods. The study included 84 patients aged 23 to 70 years (mean age 54±8.1 years) with LVSD (LVEF <40 %). All patients underwent 6 min walk test, echocardiography, detection of NT-proBNP plasma level, assessment the cli­nical status with SHOKS. Median follow-up was 18 months. Results. Baseline NT-proBNP high level (3,000 pg / ml) and the absence of its decrease, as well as increase of its plasma level during treatment period was associated with a worse prognosis. The reduction of plasma level was associated with better prognosis. Thus, repeated definition of NT-proBNP plasma level can identify patients at increased risk for more intensive observation and aggressive pathogenic therapy.